- Status
- Published
- Version
- 1.0
- Effective
- 20 August 2026
- Last reviewed
- 20 August 2026
- Review cycle
- Annually
- Last updated
- 20 August 2026
This framework should be read together with the Foundation's general Privacy Policy, Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy, Conflict of Interest Policy, Data Retention & Deletion Policy and Community Guidelines. Where a general policy already addresses a matter, that policy applies and this framework adds the programme-specific detail.
1. Migration & Human Dignity Service Scope
The programme provides rights information, case navigation, administrative and document organisation support, referral to appropriate qualified professionals and competent institutions, advocacy for dignity and lawful process, psychosocial referral pathways, integration and rebuilding pathways, public rights education, consent-based evidence gathering, research and policy advocacy.
Legal matters are assessed and directed through the appropriate qualified professional or competent institutional pathway according to the needs of the matter. Formal immigration and legal status decisions rest with the competent authorities.
2. Legal & Professional Referral Framework
Every matter is assessed for the pathway best able to carry it. Where a matter requires legal advice, representation or a regulated professional service, it is directed to an appropriately qualified practitioner or competent institution. Referrals are made with the person's consent, recorded, and followed up to confirm the person reached the intended pathway.
3. Confidentiality & Sensitive Information Notice
Information shared with the programme is treated as confidential. It is used to assist the person, and it is shared beyond the programme team only with the person's consent, or where the law or a safeguarding duty requires disclosure. People are asked not to send passports, identity documents, permits, asylum papers, charge sheets, medical records or children's documents through ordinary first contact. Where documents are required, a secure and appropriate route is arranged.
4. POPIA & Data Minimisation for Migration Cases
In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, first contact collects only the minimum information needed to assess and direct a matter: a preferred name, a safe contact method, city and province, a broad issue category, any urgent deadline, whether the person is detained, whether children or vulnerable family members are involved, and a short message. Further information is collected only where it is necessary for the next step, and is retained in line with the Foundation's data retention and deletion policy.
5. Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Where children, unaccompanied minors, separated families or vulnerable adults are involved, the Foundation's safeguarding policy applies in full. Safeguarding concerns take precedence over confidentiality preferences and are escalated to the designated safeguarding lead and the appropriate competent authority.
6. Anti-Xenophobia & Non-Discrimination Commitment
The programme serves people without regard to nationality, documentation status, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or political opinion. We use people-first terminology: undocumented persons and undocumented migrants. Statutory terms appearing in legislation are used only where legal or educational precision requires it, and are clearly distinguished from the programme's own terminology. Dehumanising labels are not used by the programme, its staff, its volunteers or its partners.
7. Interpreter & Translation Ethics
Interpreters convey meaning faithfully and completely, do not advise, do not add or omit material, and hold the same confidentiality duties as programme staff. Interpreters disclose any relationship to the person or to the matter. Where a person prefers a different interpreter, that preference is respected wherever it can be arranged.
8. Conflict of Interest & Case Assessment
Staff, volunteers, advocates and partner professionals disclose any interest that could affect the impartial handling of a matter. Where a conflict exists, the matter is reassigned or referred. Partnership expressions of interest are assessed against this framework before any working relationship begins.
9. Emergency / Detention Triage Protocol
Matters involving detention, imminent removal or immediate safety risk are labelled as priority in the intake system and are assessed first. Triage establishes location, deadlines, whether children are affected, and the fastest appropriate professional or institutional route. The programme is not an emergency service; where a person is in immediate danger, emergency services and the Foundation's Need Help pathway apply.
10. Outcome & Process Information Notice
Outcomes and status decisions rest with the competent authorities and, where applicable, with the qualified practitioners handling a matter. The programme provides navigation, support and referral according to the needs of the case, and keeps the person informed about process and next steps.
11. Complaints & Feedback Route
Anyone may raise a concern about the programme or the conduct of a person acting for it. Complaints may be submitted through the Foundation complaints route and are handled under the Foundation's existing complaints and conduct policies. Raising a complaint never affects a person's access to support.
12. Justice & Dignity Advocate Code of Conduct
Advocates act with dignity, honesty and confidentiality; work within the boundaries of their role; do not provide legal advice; do not accept payment or gifts from the people they assist; record referrals accurately; complete safeguarding orientation; and escalate any matter that exceeds their role. The Foundation's Volunteer Code of Conduct applies in full alongside these programme-specific duties.
13. Research, Anonymisation & Case-Data Ethics
Research and Observatory work uses anonymised, aggregated information. Direct identifiers are removed, and details that could identify a person or household in combination are generalised or withheld. Case material is used for research only with informed consent. Findings are published only once verified, and no figure, report or publication is claimed before it exists.
Questions about this policy? Email info@eflegacy.org and a member of our team will respond within five working days.